Chapter 1: A Rank F Awakener

The clamor of voices filled the Awakener Association lobby. Dozens of people, young and old, stood in line, their excitement palpable. For many, this was the moment their lives would change forever.

Adam stood near the back of the line, his hands shoved deep into his hoodie pockets. He wasn't nervous—he was annoyed. The entire process had been long and tedious, and now he was moments away from discovering just how disappointing his awakening would be.

"Next!" a stern voice called from the counter ahead.

Adam shuffled forward, clutching the card he'd been given during registration. The Awakener Association worker, a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze, took the card and scanned it.

"Adam Walker," she read aloud. "Room C-14. Follow the signs."

"Thanks," Adam muttered, making his way toward the designated testing room.

The small chamber was sterile and unwelcoming, dominated by a sleek device that resembled an MRI machine. A technician gestured for Adam to sit.

"Place your hand here," the technician instructed, pointing to a glowing pad.

Adam complied, feeling a faint warmth as the machine began to hum. The screen above displayed swirling colors, which gradually coalesced into a glowing letter: F.

The technician raised an eyebrow but said nothing as the machine produced a detailed report.

"Well?" Adam asked, his tone edged with impatience.

The technician handed him the paper, their expression a mix of pity and disinterest. "Congratulations, you're an Awakener. F-Rank. Your affinity is non-combat-related. Report to desk 3 for further instructions."

Adam stared at the paper, his jaw tightening. F-Rank. The lowest rank possible. The kind of rank that guaranteed ridicule and zero prospects.

"Non-combat?" he muttered bitterly, exiting the room. "What am I supposed to do, fold laundry for S-Ranks?"

At desk 3, a bored-looking clerk handed him a small badge. It bore his name and rank, the glowing letter F shining like a beacon of mediocrity.

"Here's your license," the clerk droned. "You're officially registered as an Awakener. Your abilities will be added to the system shortly. Good luck out there."

Adam walked out of the building, his mind a whirlwind of frustration. The city streets were bustling with people, many of whom gave way to high-ranking Awakeners in sleek armor or robes that marked their prestigious status.

He glanced down at his badge, the letter F mocking him.

"Why did I even bother?" he muttered.

His train of thought was interrupted by a sharp chime in his mind.

Adam froze. The voice wasn't coming from around him—it was inside his head.

"What the—?"

"Dimensional Link?" Adam said aloud, confused. "What does that even mean?"

Before he could process the information, a glowing icon appeared in his vision, prompting him to tap it. Against his better judgment, he did.

The world around him shifted violently, and in an instant, he found himself standing in an open field bathed in a violet glow. The sky above was a swirling canvas of colors, and the air hummed with an unnatural energy.

"What the hell?" Adam whispered, spinning around.

And just like that, Adam realized his awakening wasn't just disappointing—it was going to get him killed.